Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-08-17
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CENTENNIAL.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL CENTENNIAL.
To the Editor of the Yorkville Enquirer:
The centennial anniversary Of the framing
and promulgation of the Constitution Of
the United States is just now attracting
much attention throughout the country.
The arrangements for its proper observance
are being completed, and the Centennial
Commission is actively engaged in perfect
ing the necessary details to secure large
attendance from all parts of the country,
and to set forth the great Importance and
significance of the event. The recent ju-
bilee of Queen Victoria's reign and this
great celebration of the American people
are occurring 80 close together as to natu-
rally invite comment and comparison.
The spontaneous manifestations of the sub
iects of an honored and enlightened SOW
ereign of Great Britain, although making
shout of joy around the earth, are after
all only the personal congratulations ex-
tended by the millions, on the fiftieth an
niversary of her coronation, to relgn1ng
Queen whose character has been pre-emi-
nently pure and spotless, and whose reign
has been wise, just and progressive. No
great principle of government, however,
was held forth as a matter for public ap-
probation. The personal nature of that
Jubilee was marked and inevitable. 1t
concentrated around one individual, how
ever exalted and upright. But not so with
the American jubilee which will call our
people together in Philadelphia within a
few weeks, in order to celebrate and ap-
plaud, not the character of an individual,
but the foundation stone of great nation
and the principles contained in the charter
upon which its existence is based. Eng
lands greatest living statesman has de-
clared that the Federal Constitution is
at given time by the brain and purpose
of a man." and this opinion of Mr.. Glad
stone ought to remind US that the success
full formation of the Constitution of the
United States was the momentous event in
the history of the American people, and
marked an epoch in the history of the
world. Itbecomes US, then, to recall the
circumstances under which this great in
strument of organic law was framed and
promulgated, and to strengthen and quick
en- our sense of the obligations imposed by
its adoption and continuance as the su-
preme law of the land. Let us appreciate,
in areverent and grateful spirit, the char.
acter of the proposed celebration, and
bring to it that hearty support worthy OF
the occasion and the event.
In order that your readers may be in
formed as to the proposed celebration, l
append herewith an outline of the princi-
pal ceremonies in preparation for the
Constitutional Centennial, to be held at
Philadelphia on the 18th, 10th and 18th OF
September, 1887.
l. The 18th of September is assigned for
professional Industrial Display, the OBJ.
iect of which will be to illustrate, in con-
trast, the customs, characteristics, COM
merce, arts, implements ofindustry, means
of transportation, &C., of 1887 with those
of 1887, to show the changes and progress
| made in the first century of our constitu-
tional existence. This display, moving in
procession, mounted upon cars prepared
for the purpose, and accompanied by va
rious civic organizations, promises to be
feature of brilliant and historic interest.
In the evening of that day, the Governor
of Pennsylvania will hold public recep-
ton in honor of the Governors Of the States
and Territories who are present at the cell
ebration. 49,.
2. The 18th of September is designated
for the Military Parade and Review, in
which the militia regiments and compa-
nies of the several States and Territories,
accompanied by their respective Govern
ors and staffs, and detachments from the
tailed for the occasion, will be expected to
participate. Not less then twelve or fif-
teen thousand troops will be in the parade,
and Pennsylvania alone will furnish seven
thousand soldiers in honor Of the occasion.
In the evening of the same day will occur
a public reception, in honor of the Presi-
dent of the United States, with the Gov
ernors, representatives of foreign govern
ments, military, &c.
3. The 18th of September will be devot-
ed to the special services of commemora-
ton, as the Centennial Day proper, and
the exercises will take place in 1ndepen--
dence Square, at which the President of
the United States will preside. The ora
tion will be delivered by Mr.. Justice Mil
ler, of the Supreme Court. In addition
there will be poem in honor of the event
celebrated, together with national hymns,
vocal and instrumental music, &c.
Various other entertainments will be or
celebration, and it is to be hoped that the
occasion will give brilliant testimony to
the unshaken attachment of all classes OF
our people to the great charter of Amerl-
can liberty, to which is due,'in so large
measure, the unparalleled development
and extraordinary progress of the States,
once so feeble and insignificant, now grown
so powerful as to excite the admiration
and attract the populations OF the civilized
world. JAMES A. HoYT,
Commissioner from South Carolina.
ns% All perfection in this life hath some
imperfection mixed with it, and no know
leege is without some darkness.
sa A man that studieth revenge keep
eth his own wounds green, which other